Roof Supporting System for a Structure

ABSTRACT

This present application relates to a novel roof supporting system for use with outbuildings, such as gazebos, rotundas, and the like. The roof supporting system of the present invention eliminates the need for unsightly and architecturally limiting internal roof joists to account for the horizontal component of the live and dead roof loads transferred by the roofing rafters, and also eliminates the need for rafter tails to extend over the perimeter joist or wall members to create a roof with a clean edge appearance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/071,606, which was filed on Aug. 29, 2020and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of roof structures foroutbuildings such as gazebos, rotundas, arbors, kiosks, bandstands, andsheds. More particularly, the present invention is a unique roofsupporting system that utilizes a series of bands, tubes or otherconcentric rings that interlock with other construction elements of theoutbuilding. Accordingly, the present specification makes specificreference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of thepresent invention are also equally amenable to other like applications,devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are numerous types of outbuildings that provide various functionsand benefits to the owners of the real property upon which they arelocated. For example, some outbuildings, such as arbors, gazebos,bandstands, and rotundas (a round building covered by a dome) providerelaxation, and can contribute to the aesthetics of the property or theowner's home on which the structure is erected. Other outbuildings, suchas kiosks and sheds, provide a more utilitarian function, such asservice point for retail sales, information or the like, or for thestorage of lawn and garden tools and equipment, as well as otherhousehold items.

Outbuildings may be constructed in a number of different ways. Somestructures can be provided pre-made, and are then just set up or“dropped” on a foundation of stones, concrete, or other graded andleveled surface. Other buildings may be provided in the form of a kit,which is delivered to the address of the purchaser and then thepurchaser assembles, or hires someone else to assemble, the kit toobtain a finished structure. Still other structures are built fromscratch from a set of plans that the owner may have purchased ordeveloped themselves. Such structures require traditional framing, andthen possibly siding, windows, doors or any other features that theowner may desire. Regardless of the style and type of the outbuildingthat has been selected, the structure often requires that the roofingrafters must be affixed to joists that are then supported by the frame.When the structures are generally square or rectangular in shape, sucharrangements are generally acceptable since the walls come to meet theroof and do not not interfere with the functionality or use of thestructure.

Rotundas, gazebos, bandstands and the like are each more decorative, andare typically used for relaxation and enjoyment, such as entertaining,performances or overlooking a scenic area. Rotundas and gazebos eachhave generally rounded or octagonal roofs, and often when the roofstructure meets the ceiling joists, the roof line is lowered which caneliminate a portion of the view for which the structure was constructed.The lowering of the roof line is due to the extension of the raftertails that extend downwardly from the roof, and over the top of theframe joists. This then leaves the rafter tails in the eyesight of theindividual enjoying the performance, or the view from the structure. Theview can be outgoing, that is looking out over a scenic area, orincoming, wherein an audience located outside of the gazebo watches aperformance being presented under the gazebo and may only be able to seea portion of the performers or artists. In either event, the resultingeffect is disappointing, particularly since the structure was not onlyintended to add to the appearance of the property, but also was notintended to distract or obstruct the view.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improvedconstruction and roof supporting system that allows the owners and usersof rotundas, gazebos, and other similarly shaped buildings to fullyenjoy and optimize the use of such buildings. There is also a long feltneed in the art for a rotunda or gazebo design that eliminates the needfor traditional ceiling joists, without sacrificing the structuralintegrity of the structure. Moreover, there is a long felt need in theart for a rotunda or gazebo design that allows the owner to enjoy moreof the interior space of the gazebo, including those portions of theinterior space that would typically be consumed by the presence ofceiling joists, but that is still sturdy enough to accommodate bothtraditional live and dead loads. Finally, there is a long felt need inthe art for a rotunda or gazebo design that is relatively inexpensive toconstruct, and safe and easy to use.

In the manner described herein, the improved roof supporting system fora rotunda, gazebo or the like of the present invention eliminates theneed for traditional ceiling joists, reduces construction costs withoutsacrificing safety, increases the amount of available interior space,generally accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and substantiallydeparts from the concepts and designs of the conventional.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key orcritical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose isto present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

The present invention relates to a unique roof supporting structure foran outbuilding, such as a gazebo, rotunda, arbor, kiosk, bandstand,shed, etc. The improved roof supporting system utilizes a series ofbands, tubes, or other rigid elements to form a series of generallyconcentric, hexagonal, or octagonal rings that interlock with otherconstruction elements of the outbuilding in order to provide a cleanedge structure. The presence of the series of bands, tubes, or otherrigid elements allow for the effective elimination of traditionalceiling joists, and ensure that the supporting rafters do not extendbeyond the roof line or obstruct the incoming or outgoing view of thosesitting outside the structure, or those present within the structure.The improved roof supporting structure may be further covered bycosmetic elements, such as a facia, which conceals the presence of thebands, tubes, rods or the like so that the same are not visible.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a generallyoctagonal shaped outbuilding is disclosed. The outbuilding or gazebo isgenerally comprised of a foundation, a frame, a roof, and the roofsupporting structure of the present invention. More specifically, theframe is comprised of a plurality of spaced apart columns or posts thatextend from the foundation to the roof to partially support the same,and that are interconnected with a plurality of perimeter or rim joists.The roof is comprised of a plurality of rafters having first and secondends that support the ceiling, which may be comprised of, for example,tongue and groove boards, plywood, sheathing or the like. Traditionalroofing materials, such as roll paper, ice guard, drip edge, shinglesand the like are then installed atop the ceiling materials to protectthe same from the elements. The roof supporting structure is preferablycomprised of at least one metal band extending about the upper end ofthe perimeter or rim joists and supporting the second end of therafters, such that the tails of the rafters do not extend over the upperend of the rim joists. The metal band is in tension to resist theoutwardly facing (i.e., away from the interior of the gazebo) forcesbeing placed on each of the rim joists by the rafters and the dead andlive loads (e.g., snow, ice, wind, etc.) associated with the roof.Stated differently, when properly installed, the supporting band appliesa compressive force against the outer surface of the rim joists.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an improvedgazebo design is disclosed that includes a plurality of posts, whereineach of the plurality of posts is comprised of a first end and a secondend. The first end of the post terminates on, and is supported by, afoundation, and the second end of the post terminates at a rim orperimeter joist. A roof is also provided and is comprised of a pluralityof rafters and a roofing material covering the rafters to form the roof.Each of the rafters has a first end and a second end, wherein eachrafter is sloped downwardly from an apex and terminates as a rim joist.The rafters do not extend beyond the rim joist, and form a clean edgeroof line. A plurality of bands forming a support are disposed adjacentto each of the rim joist and encircle the structure. Each of theplurality of bands is in tension to resist the outwardly facing (i.e.,away from the interior of the gazebo) forces being placed on each of therim joists by the rafters and the dead and live loads (e.g., snow, ice,wind, etc.) associated with the roof. The plurality of bands offer adegree of safety redundancy in the event that one of the bands shouldfail.

In a yet still further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, aroof support for an outbuilding is disclosed. The roof support iscomprised of a plurality of substantially rigid supporting elements,with each of the supporting elements having one of a circular, hexagonalor octagonal shape. The rigid supporting elements are positioned beneatha plurality of rafters supporting a roof for the outbuilding, and therigid supporting elements disposed on joists arising from a frame. Theplurality of rafters does not extend beyond a roof line.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and areintended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Otheradvantages and novel features will become apparent from the followingdetailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar referencecharacters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of anoutbuilding that utilizes the improved roof supporting system of thepresent invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2A illustrates a partial perspective view of one potentialembodiment of the internal elements of a roof of an outbuilding thatutilizes the improved roof supporting system of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2B illustrates a partial perspective view of one potentialembodiment of the supporting bands of the present invention being usedto support the roof of the outbuilding in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture, wherein the fascia board has been removed to expose thepresence of the supporting bands;

FIG. 2C illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodimentof the supporting band of the present invention in accordance with thedisclosed architecture, wherein the supporting band is generallycircular in shape;

FIG. 2D illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodimentof the supporting band of the present invention in accordance with thedisclosed architecture, wherein the supporting band is generallyoctagonal in shape;

FIG. 2E illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodimentof the supporting band of the present invention in accordance with thedisclosed architecture, wherein the supporting band is generallyhexagonal in shape;

FIG. 2F illustrates a partial side elevational view of one potentialembodiment of the supporting structure of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potentialembodiment of the interior portion of the roof of the outbuilding of thepresent invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potentialembodiment of the interior portion of the roof of the outbuilding of thepresent invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, whereinthe roof has an opening therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovationcan be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments arediscussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are describedonly to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are neitherintended as an exhaustive description of the invention, nor do theylimit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustratedembodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, inother embodiments, any of the features described herein from differentembodiments may be combined.

The improved roof supporting system of the present invention eliminatesthe need for unsightly and costly ceiling joists that have long beenassociated with obstructing the interior view of an otherwiseaesthetically pleasing structure, such as a gazebo, rotunda, or similaroutbuilding, all without compromising structural integrity.Additionally, by providing a clean or unobstructive edge, individualsinside the structure can enjoy their surroundings while those outsidethe outbuilding can watch performers and other activities within thestructure. As used herein, the term “clean edge” refers to the roof linewithout any additional supporting material extending outwardly fromunder the roofing material, such as rafters, studs or other extensions,thereby allowing the roof to sit essentially cleanly on the rim orperimeter joist of the frame.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspectiveview of one potential embodiment of an outbuilding, such as a gazebo100, that utilizes the improved roof supporting system of the presentinvention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. While a gazebo100 is shown in the FIGS., it should be understood that the invention isequally applicable to a number of other outbuildings such as arbors,bandstands, and rotundas. The gazebo 100 is comprised of a foundation110, a plurality of spaced apart support posts 120, and a roof 130. Morespecifically, the foundation 110 supports the support posts 120 which,in turn and with the assistance of the rafters, rim joints and bandsdiscussed below, support the roof 130. In alternative embodiments, thegazebo 100 may include comprise other decorative or functional elementsincluding, without limitation, fencing 125 and gates 127 to controlaccess to the gazebo 100.

The roof 130 preferably has conventional roofing materials 132 to coverand protect the structure 100. For example, the roofing materials may becomprised of planks, boards, roll paper, ice guards, shingles, panels,or combinations thereof, and the materials may be interlocking with oneanother, such as through the use of tongue and groove, biscuits, as wellas fasteners and the like. The roof 130 and associated roofing materials132 are intended to protect the structure 100, as well as those therein.FIG. 1 also illustrates the various facia boards 140 that are used toconceal the presence of the supporting bands 212 that will be discussedin connection with the later Figures below. Facia 140 may be comprisedof a wooden or synthetic board, a metal or any other suitable material.

FIG. 2A illustrates a partial perspective view of one potentialembodiment of the internal elements of a roof 230 of an outbuilding 100that utilizes the improved roof supporting system of the presentinvention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The undersideof the roof 230 is comprised of a plurality of boards 232 supported by aplurality of rafters 210 that extend downwardly at an angle or pitchfrom the apex or summit of the roof 230 to a plurality of rim orperimeter joists 235, as best shown in FIG. 2A. In one embodiment, theorientation of the boards 232 is roughly perpendicular to theorientation of the rafters 210, and may be secured thereto by anyfastening means known in the art, such as nails, screws or the like. Ina similar fashion, the orientation of the rafters 210 is roughlyperpendicular to the orientation of the rim joists 235, and may also besecured thereto by any fastening means known in the art, such as nails,screws or the like. As noted above, the exterior side of the roof 130preferably has conventional roofing materials 132 to cover and protectthe structure 100.

The live and dead loads associated with the roof 230 are transferredfrom the plurality of boards 232 to the plurality of rafters 210 thattransfer both a horizontal load component and a vertical load componentto the plurality of rim or perimeter joists 235. In traditionalstructures, the horizontal load component is accounted for via thepresence of a plurality of internal roof joists (not shown) that sufferfrom the limitations described above. However, in the unique design ofthe roof supporting system of the present invention, the horizontal loadcomponent is accounted for and addressed by the presence of one or morecontinuous support bands 212 positioned along the outside face of therim or perimeter joists 235, as described more fully below. In short,the one or more continuous support bands 212 that surround the perimeterof the structure 100 counter-balance the horizontal load component ofthe roof 230 (both the live and dead loads) and prevent the rim orperimeter joists 235 from buckling outward and failing.

In traditional structures and with structure 100, the vertical loadcomponent of the roof 230 is transferred from the rafters 210 to theplurality of rim or perimeter joists 235. The plurality of rim orperimeter joists 235 are, in turn, attached to the plurality of supportposts 120 that are positioned around the perimeter of the structure 100in spaced apart fashion by any common fastening means known in the art,such as nails, screws, bolts and the like. The plurality of supportposts 120 are, in turn, supported by the foundation 110. In this manner,the entire load associated with the roof 230, including both live loads(e.g., wind, snow, etc.) and dead loads (e.g., the weight of the roofingmaterials 132, etc.) is efficient and safely transferred to thefoundation 110.

FIG. 2B illustrates a partial perspective view of one potentialembodiment of the supporting bands 212 of the present invention beingused to support the roof 230 of the outbuilding 100 in accordance withthe disclosed architecture, wherein a fascia board 240 has not yet beeninstalled over the exterior surface of the rim joists 235 to conceal thepresence of the supporting bands 212 from view. More specifically, thehorizontal load component of the roof 230 is accounted for and addressedby the presence of one or more continuous support bands 212 positionedalong the outside face of the rim or perimeter joists 235 and thatsurround the entire perimeter of the structure 100.

The supporting bands 212 are not required to be an actual band, and mayalso be in the form of a tube, rod, or the like. For example, ifreinforcing rods or tubes are used, the rods or tubes may be bent orconfigured to form the particular shape that the parties are interestedin. Then, the ends of the reinforcing rod or tube can be secured to oneanother to form a continuous loop or band capable of withstanding thenecessary tensile forces. Supporting bands 212 may be comprised of anysuitable plastic, steel, aluminum, metal alloys, or combinationsthereof, provided that they are capable of exhibiting the necessarytensile strength properties without failing. More specifically, andregardless of their form or configuration, the continuous support bands212 must be capable of counter-balancing the horizontal load componentof the roof 230 (both the live and dead loads) and preventing the rim orperimeter joists 235 and the support posts 120 that support the samefrom buckling outward and failing. It is also contemplated that whenselecting the appropriate size of supporting band 212 and/or the numberof bands 212 for a particular application, an appropriate factor ofsafety will also be employed in accordance with sound engineeringpractice.

In traditional structures and with structure 100, the vertical loadcomponent of the roof 230 is transferred from the rafters 210 to theplurality of rim or perimeter joists 235. The plurality of rim orperimeter joists 235 are, in turn, attached to the plurality of supportposts 120 that are positioned around the perimeter of the structure 100in spaced apart fashion by any common fastening means known in the art,such as nails, screws, bolts and the like. The plurality of supportposts 120 are, in turn, supported by the foundation 110. In this manner,the entire load associated with the roof 230, including both live loads(e.g., wind, snow, etc.) and dead loads (e.g., the weight of the roofingmaterials 132, etc.) is efficient and safely transferred to thefoundation 110.

FIG. 2C illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodimentof the supporting band 212 of the present invention in accordance withthe disclosed architecture, wherein the supporting band 212 is generallycircular 205 in shape, and FIG. 2D illustrates a top perspective view ofanother potential embodiment of the supporting band 212 of the presentinvention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein thesupporting band 212 is generally octagonal 207 in shape. Additionally,FIG. 2E illustrates a top perspective view of yet another potentialembodiment of the supporting band 212 of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the supporting band212 is generally hexagonal 209 in shape. Other shapes are of coursepossible and would then depend on the shape of the roof line of theparticular structure for which the present invention is to be utilizedwith.

FIG. 2F illustrates a partial side elevational view of one potentialembodiment of the roof supporting structure of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the roof230 is comprised of a plurality of boards 232 supported by a pluralityof rafters 210 that extend downwardly at an angle or pitch 214 from theapex or summit of the roof 230 to a plurality of rim or perimeter joists235. As noted above, the exterior or top side of the roof 130 ispreferably covered by conventional roofing materials 132, such as rollpaper, ice guard, shingles, and the like, to cover and protect thestructure 100 and those inside the same.

The live and dead loads associated with the roof 230 are transferredfrom the plurality of boards 232 to the plurality of rafters 210 thattransfer both a horizontal load component and a vertical load componentto the plurality of rim or perimeter joists 235. In this instance, thevertical load component of the roof 230 is transferred from the rafters210 to the plurality of rim or perimeter joists 235, which are, in turn,attached to the plurality of support posts 120. The plurality of supportposts 120 are positioned around the perimeter of the structure 100 inspaced apart fashion by any common fastening means known in the art,such as nails, screws, bolts and the like. The plurality of supportposts 120 are, in turn, supported by the foundation 110.

However in this instance, and unlike prior art structures, thehorizontal load component is counter-balanced by the presence of one ormore continuous support bands 212 positioned along the outside face ofthe rim or perimeter joists 235, as best shown in FIGS. 2B and 2F. Morespecifically, the one or more continuous support bands 212 arepositioned immediately adjacent to the outside surface of the perimeterjoists and tightened against the same until a sufficient tension isachieved to prevent the rim or perimeter joists 235 and the supportposts 120 supporting the same from buckling outwardly and failing.Stated differently, when properly installed, the supporting band 212apply a compressive force against the outer surface of the rim joists235. Further, once properly installed, a decorative fascia 240 may beplaced over the exterior surface of both the perimeter joists 235 andthe supporting bands 212 to conceal the same from view. In this manner,the roof supporting system of the present invention eliminates the needfor unsightly and architecturally limiting internal roof joists toaccount for the horizontal component of the live and dead roof loadstransferred by the roofing rafters 210, and also eliminates the need forrafter tails to extend over the perimeter joist 235 to create a roof 230with a clean edge appearance.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potentialembodiment of the interior portion of the roof 230 of the outbuilding100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture and having architectural components 320 and a centralizedroof opening 350 therein. In this particular embodiment, the roof 230and the roof supporting system are essentially the same and function insubstantially the same manner. More specifically, the live and deadloads associated with the roof 230 are transferred from the plurality ofboards 232 to the plurality of rafters 210 that transfer both ahorizontal load component and a vertical load component to the pluralityof rim or perimeter joists 235. The horizontal load component is thencounterbalanced by one or more continuous support bands 212 positionedalong the outside face of the rim or perimeter joists 235 and concealedby facia boards 140, and the vertical load component of the roof 230 istransferred from the rafters 210 to the plurality of rim or perimeterjoists 235 which are attached to and supported by the plurality ofsupport posts 120 that are positioned around the perimeter of thestructure 100. The plurality of support posts 120 are, in turn,supported by the foundation 110.

However, as best shown in FIG. 3, a centralized roof opening 350 isformed by a plurality of joists 352 and a plurality of secondary rafters354. More specifically, the plurality of joists 352 form an octagonalshape and are supported by the plurality of rafters 210 described aboveon a first or lower side. On an opposite or upper side, the plurality ofjoists 352 also supports a plurality of secondary rafters 354 thatextend upwardly to an apex where they support a downwardly extendingpost 356 that may be used to support, for example, a light 358, ceilingfan, etc.

Further, the structure 100 may further comprise one or morearchitectural components 320 positioned at each of the support posts120, as best shown in FIG. 3. More specifically, each of thearchitectural components 320 may be in the form of a generally invertedtriangle and comprised of rafter components 322 and boards 324. Therafter components 322 may extend from each side of the support post 120to the perimeter joist 235 and are used to support 324 to give afinished appearance on both the exterior and interior of the structure100, in this case a gazebo.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potentialembodiment of the interior portion of the roof 130 of the outbuilding100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture and better illustrating the opening 350 described above.Notwithstanding the forgoing, the components of improved and of thepresent invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as isknown in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention,provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configurationand material of the improved the roofing support as shown in the FIGS.are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes ofcomponents of the roofing support are well within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claimsto refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the artwill appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature orcomponent by different names. This document does not intend todistinguish between components or features that differ in name but notstructure or function. As used herein “bands” are interchangeable andrefer to tubes, rings, wires, bands, strips and the like of the presentinvention.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplaryembodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. While the embodiments described above refer to particularfeatures, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments havingdifferent combinations of features and embodiments that do not includeall of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the presentinvention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications,and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with allequivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subjectmatter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimedsubject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter isintended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variationsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. An outbuilding comprising: a foundation; aplurality of support posts positioned in spaced apart fashion along aperimeter of the outbuilding, wherein the plurality of support posts aresupported by the foundation; a plurality of rim joists attached to andsupported by the plurality of support posts, wherein each of theplurality of rim joists is comprised of an outside surface; a roofcomprised of a plurality of rafters and a roofing material, wherein theplurality of rafters are positioned in spaced apart fashion along, andsupported by, the plurality of rim joists; and at least one supportingband extending around, and positioned adjacent to, the outside surfaceof the plurality of rim joists to provide a compressive force thereagainst.
 2. The outbuilding as recited in claim 1 further comprising asecond supporting band extending around, and positioned adjacent to, theoutside surface of the plurality of rim joists to provide an additionalcompressive force there against
 3. The outbuilding as recited in claim1, wherein the at least one supporting band is comprised of a metal. 4.The outbuilding as recited in claim 1 further comprising a fascia forconcealing each of the plurality of rim joists and the at least onesupporting band extending around.
 5. The outbuilding as recited in claim4, wherein the fascia is comprised of a wood or a metal.
 6. Theoutbuilding as recited in claim 1, wherein the roofing material iscomprised of one or more of a plank, a board, a shingle, a panel, a rollpaper, a drip edge, or a combination thereof.
 7. The outbuilding asrecited in claim 1, wherein the roof further comprises an openingtherein near an apex.
 8. The outbuilding as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising an architectural component that extends from each of theplurality of support posts to each of the plurality of rim joists. 9.The outbuilding as recited in claim 1, wherein a shape of theoutbuilding is one of a circle, a octagon or a hexagon.
 10. Theoutbuilding as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one supportingband is a reinforcing rod.
 11. A gazebo comprising: a plurality ofsupport posts each having a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst end terminates at a foundation and the second end terminates at aselect one of a plurality of rim joists; a plurality of roof rafters; aroofing material covering the plurality of roof rafters to form a roof,wherein the plurality of roof rafters are attached to the plurality ofrim joists; and a plurality of support bands positioned along an outersurface of each of the plurality of rim joists and providing acompressive force there against to counter-balance the weight of theroof.
 12. The gazebo as recited in claim 11, wherein the plurality ofsupport bands are comprised of one or more of a steel, an aluminum, aplastic, and a combination thereof.
 13. The gazebo as recited in claim11, wherein the roofing material is comprised of a plurality ofinter-locking panels.
 14. The gazebo as recited in claim 11, wherein theplurality of support bands are concealed from view by a fascia.
 15. Thegazebo as recited in claim 11, wherein the roof comprises an openingtherein near an apex.
 16. The gazebo as recited in claim 11 furthercomprising a light.
 17. A roof support system for an outbuilding, theroof support system further comprising: a foundation; a plurality ofsupport columns supported by the foundation; a plurality of rim joistssupported by the plurality of support columns; and a plurality ofsupport bands applying a compressive force against an outer surface ofeach of the plurality of rim joists.
 18. The roof support system for anoutbuilding as recited in claim 17 further comprising a fascia forcovering the plurality of support bands.
 19. The roof support system foran outbuilding as recited in claim 17 further comprising anarchitectural component that extends from each of the plurality ofsupport columns to each of the plurality of rim joists.
 20. The roofsupport for an outbuilding as recited in claim 17, wherein the pluralityof support bands are comprised of a steel.